www.newsandpress.net WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018

#TraditionContinues #BojanglesSo500 Welcome Race Fans!

ALSO INSIDE :

 WELCOME TO DARLINGTON

 HUNTER FAMILY TRADITION

 KERRY THARP COLUMN

 HAROLD BRASINGTON’S LEGACY

 LADY IN BLACK 2018

 TRACK IMPROVEMENTS

A special publication of The News & Press, Darlington, S.C.

RacewayBy Samantha Lyles home, intern which was located carryingto wear to stage a successful onhis strong, the evocative family writ- tradition Staff Writer just five minutes away from event. ing style and his [email protected] the track. His first memory “I would see him in the approachable, funny demeanor when dealing When Jim Hunter passed of this raceway is pretty low- pits and get to talk to him for with journalists. away in October of 2010, key and fun: at age five, he a little bit, but he was always “He understood where NASCAR lost one of its most rode his bicycle around the all business and was con- the media came from and valued and beloved execu- track, and Grandma Ann stantly running around,” understood what they tives, an advocate for the put him in her lap and let Hunter recalls. “I think I'm needed, and he knew how sport who helped shepherd him drive a few laps. Hunter coming to understand that to present information to into its most says for the longest time, he better now that I'm meeting them in the easiest, best successful era. didn't understand that so many people in the racing ways possible. He was a Jim joined NASCAR in Grandpa Jim was kind of a field, many of whom he great promoter for the 1983 and became the presi- big wheel at the raceway. directly affected and worked track as well, and he made dent of “I knew growing up that with.” the track look its best,” ten years later, where he he was involved with A public relations stu- says Hunter. “He did a remained until a 2001 pro- NASCAR, but I think that I dent at the University of great job keying on the motion elevated him to VP took things for granted. South Carolina, Hunter says greatest and most unique ing here, I think. It's a love- $7 million improvement of corporate communica- Getting credentials and hot he is taking some cues from elements of the track... he hate thing where if you can project tions. This summer, his passes every year, I didn't his grandfather when it said that Darlington is like win here, you love “The stadium seating grandson Hunter McKernan realize how big of a deal that comes to his daily intern the Wrigley Field of racing.” Darlington, but if you wreck will be a game changer for has joined the Darlington was,” says Hunter. duties, which can include Hunter says his grandfa- on the third lap, you hate it,” the track, and we're also Raceway staff as an intern, A lifelong Atlanta composing press releases ther always played up Hunter says. “No turn is the keeping the old traditions and he's learning the PR Falcons fan, little Hunter's and dealing with the media. Darlington Raceway's image same here, and that's some- alive with the throwback craft at the track where his eyes opened to the populari- “I'm writing press releas- as “The Track Too Tough to thing I'm starting to really weekend theme. Pairing grandfather spent many ty of NASCAR when he met es now and I'm trying to do Tame” and helped frame understand by talking to those things will hopefully happy years. Falcons running back the same kinds of things he victory at Darlington as a drivers – just how tough of a keep the track around for Raised in Atlanta, Hunter Jerious Norwood in the pits did when he was coming up source of prestige for track this is.” fifty more years,” says spent many holidays visiting during a race. He also in the sport,” he says, citing NASCAR's top drivers. Under current president Hunter, expressing a senti- grandparents Jim and Ann noticed how busy his grand- Jim's history as a reporter “Drivers do want to win Kerry Tharp, Darlington ment that his grandfather Hunter at their Darlington father was during races, and for the Atlanta Journal- just how many hats Jim had Constitution as a source of here, but they also hate rac- Raceway is in the midst of a would surely share. Getting you back on track – fast. No Appointment Needed – Open 7 Days a Week.

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Darlington: 964 Lochend Drive 843-777-6890 • Florence: 3015 West Palmetto Street 843-777-6870 Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-8 pm Saturday and Sunday 9 am-4 pm

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 2 NEWS AND PRESS DARLINGTON, S.C. SOUTHERN 500

WelcomeWelcome race fans to the City of to the City of Darlington! Darlington and the Bojangles’ Southern 500. Our city extends to all its Raceway vis- itors the most cordial welcome. We want Welcome you to enjoy yourselves and come back often to Darlington Raceway or just to visit. We are proud of the Darlington Raceway Race and the many improvements made to enhance your experience at the track “Too Tough to Tame”. The Bojangles’ Southern Fans!By Lisa Chalian-Rock 500 and Darlington Raceway have made DDRA Director the City of Darlington one of the best known small places in the . While you are here for Thank you for your patronage of the race, the Darlington Darlington Raceway and please drive care- Downtown Revitalization fully. We want you back next year to watch Association invites you to another exciting Bojangles’ Southern 500. #ShopDarlington with our local stores, restaurants and Sincerely, shops. Take a photo of you Gloria C. Hines at your favorite, and tag the Mayor DDRA, @ddraSC, using the City of Darlington hash tag #ShopDarlington. We will cross post it to our Facebook page, DarlingtonDowntown, and we will post our favorite in The News & Press. We have a slate of events for Race Week, starting with the Car Hauler’s Parade and Racefest Party on Thursday night, begin- ning at 6 p.m. The party continues Friday night as Radio Vibe brings down- town alive with a free con- cert at Liberty Lane on Pearl Street. Round out the weekend with the Southern Radio Vibe will be performing a free concert at Liberty Lane on Pearl Street during race weekend 500 Parade at 6:15 p.m. on festivities. Photo Contributed Pearl Street and ending at the infield of Darlington Public Square. Try Italian American food right next to Stop by the Liberty Lane Raceway. favorites at Mamma Mia’s the track. Walk of Fame to see the Find buried treasures on Italian Kitchen or Mexican Check out unique fash- Southern 500 mural and The News & Press the Darlington Antiques fare at Tenampa Mexican ions at Merle Norman, 84 the handprints of all the Serving Darlington County since 1874 Trail. Stops include B&B Restaurant. All are down- Public Square; Raven’s Southern 500 winners from 117 S. Main St., Variety & Antiques, 703 town within walking dis- Closet, 18 Public Square; or 1950 to 2000. The brick Darlington, SC 29532 Pearl St.; Darlington tance of the Darlington Roses, 502 Pearl St. walkway connects down- Phone (843) 393-3811 County Historical Veterans Memorial and Old Looking for something town parking to Pearl Street Fax (843) 393-6811 Commission, 204 Hewitt Darlington Mural. Try some more than the average gift? and the Public Square. www.newsandpress.net St.; Darlington Raceway tasty seafood at Bay Island Drop by Flower Baskets By We hope you enjoy your Stock Car Museum, 1301 Seafood, 1316 S. Main St., Becky, 204 Russell St., or time in Darlington, and STAFF Harry Byrd Highway; or Mayflower Seafood, 1765 Shannon’s Salon & Gifts, come back to see us! General Manager: Morrey Thomas Scarlett’s Antiques, 500 E. Harry Byrd Hwy. For more 1033 Pearl St. [email protected] Broad St.; So-lina Auction barbecue, there’s Nick’s Editor: Melissa Rollins Market Inc., 2085 Lamar BBQ, 310 S. Main St., [email protected] Hwy.; and The Jeweler’s or Lindbergh’s BBQ, Staff Writer: Samantha Lyles Bench, 60 Public Square. 1215 S. Main St. Step [email protected] Getting hungry? Fill up back to the 1950s for Design: Duane Childers at a meat-and- three full of American and Greek [email protected] Southern charm at Jewel’s specialties for break- Advertising: Charlotte Berger Deluxe on the Public fast, lunch, or dinner at [email protected] Square or Joe’s Grill, 306 Taki’s Diner, 609 Pearl Front Desk: Russell St. Stop in at St. Look for a race car [email protected] Carolina Drug Store on the on the roof of Raceway Public Square for a milk- Grill, 1207 Harry Byrd SUBSCRIPTIONS shake or sandwich. New Hwy., to check out In-state subscriptions: One year $30 flavors to try at Uncle some great racing Out-of-state subscriptions: $40 Marshall’s at 136 Cashua memorabilia and tasty St. or Fahrenheit 255 at 26

NEWS AND PRESS DARLINGTON, S.C. 3 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 SOUTHERN 500 Experience “A Better Darlington” This Labor Day Weekend

By Kerry Tharp won NASCAR Cup Series races at Bojangles’ Southern 500 continues to be Darlington Raceway Track President Darlington. This new feature will truly be one of our sport’s crown jewels. a great addition to our historic venue. Darlington Raceway has proven to be With Labor Day rapidly approaching As we embark upon the fourth year of a key economic contributor to the state the City of Darlington will once again our award-winning Throwback of South Carolina. A recent economic have the eyes and ears of the world Weekend, Darlington will be celebrating impact study conducted by Dr. Tom focused upon it. “7 Decades of NASCAR,” in recognition Regan at the University of South Beginning Aug. 31 and running of the sport’s 70th anniversary. NASCAR Carolina revealed that the track provides through Sept. 2, Darlington Raceway has had so many great moments over the an annual economic impact of more than will host the Official Throwback past seven decades, many of them occur- $64 million to the state. Of that total, Weekend of NASCAR, with the Sport ring here at Darlington, and this year’s more than $58 million directly impacts Clips Haircuts VFW 200 NASCAR XFINI- race weekend takes a walk down memo- the Pee Dee Region. That is some serious TY Race on Saturday and the Bojangles’ ry lane recognizing many of those mile- dollars that the racetrack helps bring Southern 500 Monster Energy NASCAR stones. into this state and community. Cup Series Race on Sunday. Fans from all Along with the team’s popular throw- Your support of our Labor Day Race 50 states and 14 foreign countries will Weekend is vitally important. We want your tickets, visit www.darlingtonrace- descend upon our community and pack back paint schemes and retro crew uni- our stands to be full and we want the way.com or call 866-459-7223. the stands for what promises to be anoth- forms, the track has incorporated several nation and the world to see just how It is truly an honor to be your track er exciting and memorable weekend of other special offerings to add to the exciting our event is, both those who president and a resident of Darlington. I NASCAR Racing at The Lady in Black. seven decade celebration. The track will host a special “7 Decades of NASCAR attend and those who watch NBC’s invite you to come out and experience Fans will have extra incentive to our throwback weekend Aug. 31-Sept. 2. attend this year’s event. With the recent Celebration” event Saturday, Sept. 1 in broadcast. We offer a variety of ticket Hospitality Village outside Turn 3. This and hospitality packages that provide Darlington is indeed a special place and I capital improvement project that has look forward to seeing you at the race event features more than 18 of the you with a wide-range of options to taken place at the Track Too Tough To track Labor Day Weekend. Tame, fans will get an up close and per- sport’s most recognizable names partici- enjoy the race weekend. To purchase sonal view of a “Better Darlington.” New, pating in individual informal question wider and more comfortable seats have and answer sessions. Such legends as been installed in Tyler Tower, Wallace , Jr., Grandstands, and Colvin Grandstands. , , Chase The sight lines in Tyler Tower have been Elliott, , . greatly improved and the seats in that , and many, section are now stadium-style chair back many more will be on hand for what seats with cup holders. The stadium- promises to be an unprecedented gather- style bleacher seats with backs in ing of NASCAR folk heroes never seen Wallace and Colvin offer fans in those before during a race weekend. sections more room and a more comfort- Darlington’s Throwback Weekend has able seating experience, as well. become a focal part of the racing season. Additionally, fans will have the oppor- Our legendary track is where heroes like tunity to see the track’s new Wall of , David Pearson, Honor, which is a one-of-a-kind tribute Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Darrell to the legends that have raced at Waltrip and have traded Darlington. The iconic banners will paint, competed, won, lost and put on adorn both the front stretch and the back great racing for nearly 70 years. stretch and will allow fans the chance to Darlington is truly the home track for the see the names of the 49 drivers that have state of South Carolina and the Bristow Oil Company 0/#+0564''6.+0)610r   Your one stop fuel shop. Call us today! Retail/Wholesale Gasoline & Diesel Distributors

WELCOME RACE FANS & FRIENDS www.darlingtonsconline.com • 843-398-4000

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 4 NEWS AND PRESS DARLINGTON, S.C. SOUTHERN 500 Darlington native named 2018 Lady in Black Darlington Raceway named over 30 candidates that sub- Darlington native Cydney mitted an online application Gandy the Lady in Black for for the position. 2018. As the Lady in Black, Gandy “I’m excited about this serves as a key ambassador for opportunity to serve as the Darlington Raceway through- Lady in Black,” Gandy said. “I out the year. She will represent the track at various community was a finalist for the position and media events as well as the when Kaitlyn Bailey earned it 69th annual Monster Energy in 2014 and decided to give it NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ another try this year, which Southern 500 on Labor Day weekend. I’m glad I did.” “We interviewed a number Gandy, a native of of very talented candidates for Darlington, is a 2012 gradu- our Lady in Black position. It ate of Hartsville High School. was a very tough decision, but we’re excited to have Cydney as She completed her second our 2018 Lady in Black,” track degree from Francis Marion President Kerry Tharp said. University in May, graduating “The Lady in Black is an inte- gral part of our outreach with a bachelor’s degree in efforts. Cydney, being born and nursing. She currently works raised in Darlington, under- in the Neonatal Intensive stands how important the track Care Unit for the McLeod is to the local community, state and region.” Regional Medical Center in Gandy was selected from Florence.

       

NEWS AND PRESS DARLINGTON, S.C. 5 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 SOUTHERN 500 In the beginning: Harold Brasington and his peers helpedDarlington Raceway isput celebrating NASCAR “7 was conceived in 1960, on the map in the 1950’s Decades of NASCAR” for its Bojangles’ before selling his inter- Southern 500 Throwback Weekend on est to Sept. 1-2. As part of the celebration, the prior to construction track Too Tough To Tame is highlighting beginning. Brasington specific moments in the sport’s history, was also responsible for beginning with the 1950’s. the construction of With the exception of Martinsville Darlington Dragway Speedway, which opened its doors to and Rockingham NASCAR-sanctioned events in 1948, the Dragway. 1950’s were a time of rapid growth for the “My grandfather sport. loved racing and want- Many of the industry’s most popular ed to do what he could racing facilities were built in that decade to make the sport more and still host NASCAR events that are con- prevalent in the sidered the pillars of the sport today, Carolinas, which he including Darlington Raceway (opened in accomplished with the 1950 and hosts the Bojangles’ Southern building of Darlington, 500), (built in Rockingham and the 1959 and hosts the Coca-Cola 600) and conception of Daytona International Speedway (opened Charlotte,” said in 1959 and hosts the ). Brasington’s grandson, Many people were credited with help- Harold III. “He was ing get the sport off the ground in that truly a visionary and decade, none more so than NASCAR pioneer in the early founder Bill France Sr. years of NASCAR and But it was also other visionaries such as was recognized with Darlington Raceway founder Harold the NASCAR Hall of “His development of Darlington Raceway 500 in 1951, 1954 and 1955. Brasington, that built NASCAR facilities Fame’s Landmark Award in 2016 for those will forever be remembered as a milestone · A 2014 NASCAR Hall of Fame that have stood the test of time. In fact, efforts.” in our sport.” following the construction of Darlington Kerry Tharp, Darlington Raceway Inductee, posted all 39 of his Notable historic drivers and events in career victories during the '50s. His career Raceway, Brasington went on to build Track President, says it was Harold the 1950’s include: (then North Brasington’s lofty thinking that helped win percentage was 22.5 percent, which is · competed in 373 events over the highest among all drivers with at least Carolina Motor Speedway) in 1965 as spur the growth of NASCAR in the 1950s. the 10-year period, winning 47 of them, 100 starts in the series. Flock earned 122 well as several other tracks in the South. “Harold Brasington had the boldness including the inaugural Daytona 500. He was also ’s original and creativity that ushered in the super- Petty won a series-best three champi- top-10s during the 1950s, and only 22 of partner when Charlotte Motor Speedway speedway era for NASCAR,” said Tharp. onships in the decade those were not top-five finishes. Flock while also scoring the won the series championship in both 1952 most top-10s and top- and 1955. five finishes in the ·The first Daytona 500 was held at era—292 and 203. Daytona International Speedway in 1959. · was a Lee Petty and battled 48-time winner in to a side-by-side finish. Although NASCAR’s top series, Beauchamp was declared the unofficial scoring all his wins winner, Petty was awarded the official vic- between 1950 and tory by NASCAR three days later after 1956, including the reviewing photographs and newsreel Bojangles’ Southern footage.

Photos of Harold Brasington at Darlington Raceway courtesy of ISC Images and Archives.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 6 NEWS AND PRESS DARLINGTON, S.C. SOUTHERN 500

Governor cuts ribbon on new Darlington Raceway grandstands By Samantha Lyles the rake has been improved Staff Writer for better sight lines. [email protected] Gov. McMaster also con- ducted a ceremonial signing South Carolina Governor of SC House Bill 4009, the Henry McMaster and NASCAR Motorsports Entertainment Xfinity Series driver Elliott Complex Investment Act, Sadler visited The Track Too which sets groundwork to Tough to Tame last Tuesday, provide incentives for future August 14 to officially open the capital investments by Darlington Raceway’s newly Darlington Raceway and its renovated grandstands. parent company, the “This is a great day in the International Speedway history of Darlington Raceway,” Corporation. said track president Kerry McMaster was joined by Tharp. “Not only are we show- SC Speaker of the House Jay casing the success of the mas- Lucas (R-Hartsville), Sen. sive renovation the track has Gerald Malloy (D-Hartsville) undergone, but we also ceremo- and Rep. Robert Williams (D- niously signed a bill that will Darlington) for the signing of continue to support the track the bill, and the legislators and surrounding community also helped the governor and for years and years to come.” his wife, Peggy McMaster, cut Since January of 2018, the the ribbon to officially open Raceway has invested $7 mil- the new grandstand seating. lion to renovate 60 percent of “I am proud to support Darlington Raceway’s seating Darlington Raceway,” said along the front and back Gov. McMaster. “It is a major Gov. Henry McMaster was joined by SC Speaker of the House Jay Lucas (R-Hartsville), Sen. Gerald Malloy (D- stretches. New, wider seats sporting venue that attracts Hartsville) and Rep. Robert Williams (D-Darlington) at Darlington Raceway August 14. Photos by Samantha Lyles with cupholders have been thousands of fans to our installed in the Tyler, Wallace great state of South Carolina $64 million and Colvin Grandstands, and every year, resulting in over worth of eco- nomic impact for our state.” Darlington D r i v e r Elliot Sadler Pearl of the pee dee lauded the legislator’s invites you to the efforts to team up with thth the Raceway 3636 SouthSouth CarolinaCarolina to invest in the future of racing. SweetSweet PotatoPotato FestivalFestival “ A l l NASCAR tracks that are Saturday, October 13, 2018 | 9 am - 4 pm successful in today's world Courthouse Square, Darlington, SC have support from their local digni- Brought to you by the Pilot Club of Darlington taries, their politicians, their gover- FunFun forfor thethe wholewhole family!family! nors. It says a lot about you, s Over 100 Vendors: Food , Crafts, Games & Exhibits what you care s Sweet Potatoes & Sweet Potato Dishes Abound about, what Kerry is doing s Entertainment & Classic/Antique Car Show for the pro- gram here at Darlington, and what Admission is FREE you're doing Admission is FREE for NASCAR,” For more information: said Sadler. www.darlingtonpilotclub.org

NEWS AND PRESS DARLINGTON, S.C. 7 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 SOUTHERN 500 Bojangles’ And Reunite For Darlington Throwback Scheme Dakota Hunter: Get Thrown Into The Fire And Just Start Doing It By Hunter Thomas By Hunter Thomas industry. As Dakota matured, he was more C h a r l o t t e 500. Contributing Writer involved in the sport. He helped his father M o t o r Contributing Writer “We are honored to be partnering catalogue photos, and Dakota even helped S p e e d w a y with Bojangles’ for Darlington and are Bojangles’ and Derrike Cope are reunit- NASCAR racing isn’t just something him capture photos during race weekends. while he was looking forward to bringing the 1993 ing for the 69th running of the Bojangles’ Dakota Hunter is passionate about. It’s in “I think my first official job, where I got still in col- throwback to life on the track,” said Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on his blood. paid something, was my dad brought me lege. While William Woehlemann, StarCom Racing Labor Day weekend. The restaurant Hunter is the grandson of former into the NASCAR building, and he was working for CFO. “It’s cool seeing Derrike switch known for its Famous Chicken n’ Biscuits, Darlington Raceway President, the late going to give me about $10 an hour to scan the race- gears from team manager to driver on will adorn the StarCom Racing No. 99 Jim Hunter, and he has been visiting old photos,” Hunter said. “He had like 20 t r a c k , race weekends and we are definitely , throwing it back to the 1993 NASCAR races since he was a little kid. boxes of old photos that he took back in the D a k o t a looking forward to hearing his back-in- season. Whether it was causing childhood mischief day. They were old, old photos, and they assisted with the-day stories this upcoming throwback While most drivers will be honoring in the driver’s lot or sitting on the lap of needed to be scanned digitally.” all aspects of race!” others during The Official Throwback some of the sport’s Hall of Famers, Hunter These days, however, Hunter helps marketing, The one-race partnership between Weekend of NASCAR at Darlington has always called the life in the fast lane manage some of the industry’s biggest public rela- Bojangles’ and Cope is truly a throwback Raceway, Cope will be throwing it back 25 home. tions and that speaks volumes of the involvement stars on and off the track while working for years to his 1993 season, when he drove “Growing up, I didn’t have a babysitter, social media. of both parties throughout NASCAR’s 70- True Speed Communication, a public rela- the No. 98 Bojangles’ Ford for NASCAR so I was at pretty much all of the races that S p e e d w a y year history. While not all throwback tions and marketing firm. While Hunter Hall of Famer and Timmonsville, South I didn’t have my mom or my dad home that Motorsports, schemes have been unveiled for the 69th has worked with , and Stewart- Carolina native, Cale Yarborough. week or weekend,” Hunter said. “It’s really Inc. (SMI), running of the Bojangles’ Southern 500, Haas Racing’s , Kurt Busch, “Derrike and I actually first spoke funny. Actually, looking back, I was at which owns Cope is only the third Monster Energy , , Danica about this opportunity last year in Watkins Glen earlier this year, and I’m C h a r l o t t e Dakota Hunter (left) and NASCAR XFINITY Series driver, NASCAR Cup Series driver to be honor- Patrick and Cole Custer, he had to pay his Darlington,” said Randy Poindexter, watching these young kids on their skate- M o t o r (right) at . Photo by Hunter Thomas Photo of artist rendition by Ryan Daley contributed by Bojangles' ing one of his own rides. The other two dues just like everyone else in the sport. Senior VP of Marketing at Bojangles’. “The boards, and I was telling Kevin Harvick’s S p e e d w ay, drivers honoring their own throwback Hunter is a graduate of UNC Charlotte, Bojangles’ brand was all-in on making this Superspeedway, when he crossed the fin- there in 1993 is incredible. There were a coach driver Lynn - I was telling him how has its sister tracks work closely together, sent Haas F1 in Formula 1 as an intern and, schemes so far are Kurt Busch and Jimmie where he studied communications and partnership happen. I was with Bojangles’ ish line in eighth. Cope finished 17th in lot of promotions to activate Bojangles’ funny it is looking back and watching so Hunter helped out during the Monster two months later, hired him full-time while Johnson. public relations, while minoring in jour- when we sponsored him 25 years ago, so both races held at Darlington Raceway in entry into NASCAR. Looking forward to these young guys rolling around, and that Energy NASCAR Cup Series race weekends still in college to represent Stewart-Haas The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup nalism. College gave him the foundation, it’s going to bring back great memories 1993 as well. sharing a lot of old memories with the was me, literally in the driver’s lot.” at and Bristol Racing in the NASCAR national series. Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 will broad- but it was being thrown into the fire and seeing Derrike on track in the yellow-and- “I am truly pleased and thankful to be Bojangles’ family.” Hunter’s father, Scott who is a veteran learning from real-world experiences that Motor Speedway as well. “Mike Arning with True Speed saw me a cast live on the NBC Sports Network red Bojangles’ car.” back with Bojangles’ 25 years later,” said Cope has been racing in the Monster “I was in college for a while, and after (NBCSN) and the media member of the sport, taught him has set Hunter apart from others in the couple times at a couple of racetracks and During the 1993 season, Cope led 30 my grandfather passed, I really wasn’t too Derrike Cope, StarCom Racing Team Energy NASCAR Cup Series for more than (MRN) at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, September early on about the passion and skillsets industry. Hunter’s first break in the sport finally gave me a call and asked if I wanted laps of the Daytona 500. His best finish of involved in racing,” Hunter said. “I was Manager and Driver. “My relationship 30 years. His most notable victory in his 2. that are needed to succeed in the NASCAR came when he earned an internship with to help out with some Haas F1 social media the year came at Talladega valeting at a restaurant called Red Rocks in with Bojangles’ and the people that were 426 series starts came in the 1990 Daytona Birkdale (), when a gentle- before I graduated,” Hunter said. “I helped man from Charlotte Motor Speedway had out a little bit with that, and that turned a Hard Card out, and I asked him if he had into PR rep. for Cole Custer and filling in any internships. A month later, I got an for all of our Cup drivers doing social LABOR DAY SAVINGS interview with Charlotte Motor Speedway media, flying drones and you name it.” AT YOUR HOMETOWN PROUD IGA and started there. It kind of took off, I was The opportunity to work with True an intern there and helped out at Atlanta Speed Communication is without a doubt (Motor Speedway) and Bristol (Motor exciting for Hunter, but in the very begin- Speedway).” Carolina Drug Store, Inc. Following the conclusion of his intern- ning, he was naturally just a little nervous. 52 Public Square • Darlington • 843-393-2865 ship at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Hunter After all, he was working with some of the sport’s most talented individuals. Jean Weaver • Whittie Weaver • Pharmacists had to find other opportunities in the sport. Luckily for Hunter, his past experi- However, he quickly adapted and the work Pharmacy Hours: ence and exposure placed him in the sight became routine, especially after Hunter Monday - Friday 9 AM - 6 PM of the industry’s best, so finding other formed better relationships with the driv- Visa • Mastercard • Discover • American Express opportunities came a little easier once his ers he represented. foot was already in the door. Darlington Preferred Angus USDA Southern Grown Breyers Kraft “I guess when I first started, you get $ 9999 $ 59 $ 57 Your Local Hometown Pharmacy Raceway President Kerry Tharp recruited -BoneT Ground Green 2$ Ice Cream 5$ Barbecue Hunter during his senior year in college to nervous, you know, like ‘wow, I’m just a 5 lb. 2 lb. 1lb. FOR 6 48 oz., FOR 5 assist with the track’s marketing and ticket young guy that’s getting thrown into the Steak Chuck Peanuts Select VVarietiesarieties Sauce sales efforts during the Bojangles’ fire’, Hunter said. “But quite honestly, I Family Pack Family Pack New Crop, Source of Protein 17.5-185-18 oz., Select VarietiesVarieties Southern 500 weekend. wouldn’t want to do it any other way than “I ran out of internship opportunities,” to get thrown into the fire and just start Hunter said. “When I heard Kerry Tharp doing it. Now that I know the drivers bet- became the president of Darlington ter, and I’ve out a lot of time and effort into Raceway I called him a week later and learning how to improve each and every asked if he needed any free work. I filled in the cracks at the racetrack, and I did PR week. I still have a ton to learn and I con- (public relations) and marketing and tick- tinue to learn every week. I’m surrounded et sales all in one week just to learn. That by a great group at True Speed, and it’s a was probably one of the biggest opportuni- lot of fun really to be a part of it.” ties for me.” During Darlington Raceway’s NASCAR Dixie Crystals $ 99 Duke’s Lay’sLay’ ¢ Hot Dog or $ 99 Kingsford Senior Vice President of True Speed races on Labor Day weekend, Hunter will 2$ Granulated Mayonnaise Potato Hamburger Charcoal Marketing, Mike Arning was at Darlington ea. be representing Custer in the NASCAR FOR 4 2 ea. 32 oz., Original 99 Buns 7 ea. Raceway that weekend, and he had seen Sugar Chips Briquets XFINITY Series as well as Stewart-Haas or Light Hunter on several occasions throughout 4 lb. 9.5-10 oz., Select ect VVarietiesarieties 8 ct. 15.4 lb. Original or the season. A few months later, Arning Racing’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup 11.6 lb. Match Light gave Hunter a call and hired him to repre- Series lineup that includes Harvick, Kurt Busch, Bowyer and Almirola. 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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 8 9 NEWS AND PRESS DARLINGTON, S.C. SOUTHERN 500

NASCARDAYTONA BEACH, Summit Fla.– ciate chief medicalRecognizes officer of · Teamwork Track Award: Charlotte Services Professionals Planning and preparation for the Evolution Health, who has served Motor Speedway, Canadian Tire 2018 season reached an important for more than 20 years in the med- Motorsport Park milestone in early January as ical field. Security track services professionals from Amid the training sessions, · Security Award: Chief Gary J. the U.S., Canada and Mexico par- NASCAR also presented awards to Gacek, Concord NC Police ticipated in the 18th annual individuals and tracks for out- Department, Doug Cremer and NASCAR Safety and Operations standing performance during the Tom Vesey, Charlotte Motor Summit presented by American 2017 season. The 2017 honorees Speedway; Alan Watson and Andy Medical Response. included: McWilliams, Talladega The three-day conference, held Track Services Superspeedway; Greg Scott and at the Concord (North Carolina) · Mission Award: Tim Arfons Darren Cook, ; Convention Center, featured · Teamwork Award: Darlington Matt Brannock, Martinsville numerous presentations and Raceway Speedway; Bill Hindman and small-group seminars that · Innovation Award: Jay Brett Adams, ISM Raceway; Jay addressed best practices in the Donnay and Jason Payne Fraioli and Al Garcia, Homestead safety, track services, medical and · Excellence in Track Services Miami Speedway security functional areas. Award: Ignatius Kosier, Atlanta About NASCAR “The Summit is a key part of Motor Speedway The National Association for our commitment to providing · Norrie Baird NASCAR Track Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. world-class support to our fans Services Training Award: Andrew (NASCAR) is the sanctioning and competitors,” said Jim Brandl, body for the No. 1 form of motor- Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice pres- Medical sports in the United States. ident, racing operations. “It also · Above and Beyond Award: NASCAR consists of three national serves as an opportunity to recog- Chuck Willard, Chicagoland series (the Monster Energy nize the dedicated professionals Speedway NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR behind the scenes who contribute · Medical Director Award: Dr. XFINITY Series™, and NASCAR to the success of our sport.” Douglas Swanson, Dr. William Camping World Truck Series™), This year’s keynote speech was Liang four regional series, one local delivered by Dr. Ed Racht, chief ·Nursing Director Award: grassroots series and three inter- The NASCAR Summit Teamwork Award for 2018 went to Darlington medical officer for AMR and asso- Connie Tompkins, Kerry Lane national series. Raceway. Photo Contributed

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A guidedBy Harold Brasington III tourof nostalgicof the rumination history is to stand in front of of the Darlington steps of the you can see a metal building on Darlington. Folks can tell you Labor Day is almost here. It’s in the very place that history Methodist Church. Facing Pearl the left side. That is owned by there was a fishpond. Folks can hotter than hot peppers on unfolded, and let your imagina- Street is Tommy’s Automobile lot. Todd Hardee, the Darlington tell you that there was a peanut Carolina asphalt. The peanuts are tion take over . . . granddad would Close your eyes and picture the County Coroner and owner of farmer (Oh boy, here they are in and the perfume of that boiled use just one word for all of that – old Brasington home place where Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home. wrong but we’ll tell that tale southern delicacy is in the air. daydreaming. With that in mind, Harold Sr. grew up. Close ‘em This is also the site of Drake’s another day.) and all the fans can And you locals know what else allow me to guide you on a short again.....When his father passed Garage, where Frank Drake, tell you that racing’s cruelest mis- that means - you better get a tick- walking tour of the Darlington on, Harold tore the old house Sambo Ard and Bill Garland and tress is the Lady in Black. But they et or get out of the way – the race Square. I’d like to introduce you down and built a round, UFO their friend Harold Brasington don’t know that Daarlington’s sto- is coming to town. Since the to some of granddad’s old friends shaped drive-in café called the helped each other build racecars ried Psillos family was integral to Labor Day race has been returned that helped make this thing we Southernair. Richard Petty between 1930 and WWII that the design of Harold Brasington’s to its customary home here in call Darlington a reality. So come recounted stories for me once they raced on dirt tracks. legacy, that their engineering was about going up there with his Darlington, we feel that a sense of along, it’s free and you will hardly Speaking of Kistler-Hardee priceless to creating the design of order has been restored in our father Lee to visit with Granddad break a sweat. Well, that last part Funeral Home, in those days most NASCAR’s most storied track. lives. In anticipation of the big is a lie but it’s worth it. (he said they had good hotdogs). funeral home also ran ambulance They don’t know that the perhaps day I have been brushing up on 1.Park on or near the Public The Southernair provided all the services and the Kistler family Sherman Ramsey was duped into my Darlington history for the Square. Find the vacant lot on the food service for the track for were no exception. J.H. Kistler handing over his land (but not occasion. corner of South Main and Orange about the first 15 years under the and his son, then 25 year-old T.C. that pond!) and that the Ramsey My grandfather, Harold Street facing the mural of direction of Harold’s niece-in-law, Kistler, provided the ambulances Brasington Sr. built the Darlington Darlington circa 1930. You are Mary Ruth Hick Brasington. A few needed should an emergency family home still stands on Spring Raceway, so it would be reason- standing on the site of the old years back, her grandson, Billy arise at the track. Kistler’s com- Street. The stories are endless, able to think I am already an McFall Hotel. Left of the center of provided the track some of the mercial fleet was also used in the just like any good Southern leg- expert with respect to the venera- the mural you can see the cupola menus for the throwback menu 1960 movie filmed in Darlington, end. You can swing by the ble Lady in Black. Turns out, I still of the old Hotel. This is where items. Mary Ruth’s husband, Bill, “”. Darlington County Historical have a lot to learn. It’s hard to Harold Brasington called a meet- Sr. has the distinction of attending 5.While you’re on the square, Commission if you want to do remember things that happened ing in December of 1949 to every race at Darlington until his here’s a tidbit. Harold Brasington your own research, of course keep before you were born. announce the plan to build the death is 1995 and he had the pit was not just a builder of a in mind that the building used to Fortunately, some of the people first paved speedway for stock passes to prove it. Bill Sr. also plant, he regularly got hauled in be the county jailhouse. Mind that were there from the begin- cars. Bill France had his helped out on the maintenance for driving too fast on his every your manners and enjoy the race. ning have been willing to sit down Streamline but Harold had his staff most of his life. At his funer- day errands for his father, racing The author would like to give with me and share their McFall. The building is long gone, al, the Maintenance Staff of the around the town square, raising credit to Allen Brasington for help Darlington stories. Each time I lost to a fire in 1968 but you all Racetrack were listed as honorary you know what like any other in editing this article and to Melissa come away with a deeper sense of know what it wrought. Those pallbearers. Harold’s other good ol’ Southern boy. Bleier, his co-author on his biogra- amazement and gratitude for engines roar every Labor Day. nephew Allen was involved in the Here’s the thing about phy of Harold Brasington Sr. what a determined group of peo- 2.Walk South on Main Street original plan ple accomplished in a relatively passing the old Coggshall’s and helped out short amount of time. Granddad Department Store on your right. with construc- is rightly credited as the creator of At the corner turn right on Pearl tion on the Darlington Raceway, but without Street and walk 300 feet. Turn weekends. the dedication and skill of the right onto the brick path of Allen never saw team he assembled it would never Liberty Lane Winston Walk of Darlington International WELCOME RACE FANS! have happened. NASCAR is cele- Fame and take a moment to gaze brating 70 years, and that land- up at the raceway mural rendered Speedway grow Check our our website and ‘like’ us on Facebook mark anniversary is just around by South Carolina artist Blue Sky. to it potential the corner for Darlington next Make sure you take a selfie or put having been for race coverage and photos. Labor Day. As we reflect on our your hands in one of the cement killed in service history I thought it would be fit- handprints of the legendary driv- in 1952. ting to acknowledge some of the ers who have won at Darlington. 4.Turn your- individuals that worked behind Feeling the history yet? Good, self to face the www.newsandpress.net the scenes and were seldom men- now let’s walk on. old Post Office. tioned, but no less important. 3.Proceed to the corner of Looking down The best way to inspire a mood Pearl and Dargan Street stopping Dargan Street Sharing the good news of Darlington County with our Friends and Neighbors Tenampa Mexican Restaurant & Bar 40 Public Square - Darlington

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NEWS AND PRESS DARLINGTON, S.C. 11 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 SOUTHERN 500 Ann Hunter: Jim would be so proud that Darlington isAt continuing the end of June, continuing the that tradition,” traditionSchool of Journalism in sports Darlington Raceway Track Hunter said. “There is such a marketing following in his President Kerry Tharp walked history here and he wanted it to granddaddy’s footsteps. Jim members of the media around go back to the Labor Day race, always said he was an awesome the track to see the improve- and it has. He would be so writer even when he was a little ments being made in the $7 mil- happy that Kerry is here and boy so he’s following in that. lion dollar ‘Better Darlington’ that Kerry is living in Our other grandson Dakota campaign. Joining Tharp was Darlington, thinking about the works in racing, too.” Ann Hunter, widow of the late community as Jim did. ” Tharp said that having Darlington Raceway track pres- Hunter said that even Hunter serve as an intern has ident Jim Hunter. though a lot has changed in the been great and continues the “It gives me great honor and sport, Darlington has remained work that he and others are privilege to be out here, to be the iconic Track Too Tough To doing to generate more interest the President at Darlington, to Tame. from younger generations. walk in the same places as a “I think at Darlington, the “There is no question (that man who I respected very tradition stays the same; I don’t having youth in the sport brings much, Jim Hunter,” Tharp said. think it changes here,” Hunter in more youth to the sport); we “He was my mentor when I said. “At a lot of places it does want to get young people worked at NASCAR and it is a change. Of course things with involved,” Tharp said. “When real thrill to have his wife Ann NASCAR have changed. There you have young people getting join us today. Jim was the track are a lot of younger drivers, involved at an early age, they president here when Tyler things like that, and people talk carry that down year after year. Towers were built back in 1994. about how the sport has So many people came to the I thought it would be appropri- changed. I think at Darlington, racetrack with their granddad ate to have her out here today. I though, the history and every- or their uncle. Having grown up can imagine right now that thing here stays the same.” in a NASCAR-based family Hunter is looking down on us Another thing that has Hunter, and really everyone in Ann Hunter with grandson Hunter McKernan both in Jim Hunter’s sig- now saying ‘What in the heck remained the same at this communi- nature yellow hat. took you all so long to do this?’ Darlington, and other areas of ty, knows that but we are proud of this proj- NASCAR, is the representation Darlington is ect.” of the Hunter family: for the an iconic race- Ann echoed Tharp’s state- summer of 2018, grandson track. We have ment, saying that her late hus- Hunter McKernan served as an to get the band would be excited about intern for the track. young people everything happening at the “Hunter is at the track work- to realize that track. ing as an intern and he will be a and we’re mak- “Jim would be so proud and senior at Carolina this year,” ing some so excited about these improve- Ann Hunter said. “Jim would be progress.” ments and that Darlington is so proud because he is in the Goodson T i re & A u t o

Ann Hunter talks about the renovations at Darlington Raceway during a tour with Track President Kerry Tharp. Photos by Melissa Rollins

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 12 NEWS AND PRESS DARLINGTON, S.C. SOUTHERN 500 1990-1992: Storms Blow Through Darlington County By Terrance Niedziela Jr. the stock cars were seriously damaged. 1990-91 saw Operation Desert Storm Democratic presidential nominee Bill Contributing Writer FEMA stepped in to help after Hugo, but that morphed into the Persian Gulf War. Clinton held the position of Grand in 1992 contacted the city of Darlington Darlington County residents, including Marshal for the Southern 500 Race and Editor’s Note: We are happy to support and informed them they had been over- teachers and Darlington Mayor Ronnie was met with loud boos. Despite the less Darlington Raceway’s Throwback theme. In paid. Darlington was required to pay back Ward, were shipped to Kuwait. Mayor than pleasant welcome, Bill Clinton car- this piece Terrance Niedziela Jr., who was $8,736 given for damages and $174.72 in Ward continued to remain mayor while ried Darlington County in the election, working at the Darlington County Historical administrative costs. The city was willing overseas and was able to maintain his post though not South Carolina. Commission at the time it was written, looks to pay, hoping the money would be used in the 1991 election. Patriotism skyrocket- Here is bit of fun trivia for you: In back at the early 90’s. to help those hit by other hurricanes. ed as members of Darlington County com- 1990-92, minimum wage for South Another type of storm hit in 1990 and munities hung yellow ribbons and held 1990-92 was an era filled with big hair Carolina was $3.80/hr. Ribeye and New this one consisted of movie stars and rac- prayer meetings to support troops. I was York Strip steaks were $4.99/lb. A 5lb bag and painful fashion choices; this writer entering middle school at this time and I has the pictures to prove it! But embar- ing. Paramount Pictures chose to film of potatoes was 99¢ and sweet potatoes “” at Darlington remember wondering when it would all was 39¢/lb. Currently, the minimum rassing pictures aside, the early 90s were be over. filled with a series of storms that affected International Raceway. Tom Cruise, wage for South Carolina is $7.25 and Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, and Nicole The last storm I will talk about is the depending on where you go, a Ribeye Darlington County. 1992 political storm. From local to nation- Kidman graced Darlington with their steak is $6.63/lb. Whether back then or September 21, 1989 brought Hurricane al, politics was a major focus and still is presence as a call went out for extras for today, it looks like there is still just a little Hugo and its 135mph maximum winds to today. National politics played themselves the movie. Around 3,000 people flooded bit left over after grocery shopping! level utility lines, twist and pull up trees, out in the to apply, including people from North and shred buildings. It caused $6 million Southern 500. Carolina and . Many Darlington in damage. The sound of chainsaws was Vice President as common as buzzing mosquitos. Wood County residents were chosen. Racing Dan Quale from fallen trees was piled up and given fever swept through the county. Tom walked in the away as free firewood. Creeks were Cruise increased his fame in Darlington by rain during the clogged with debris, causing flooding as getting a speeding ticket for driving Southern 500 waves of rain followed on Hugo’s heels. In 66mph in a 35mph zone on Cashua Street. Parade on October 1990, the roof of the National He was fined $125 and photocopies of the Labor Day and Motorsports Press Association Stock Car ticket were scattered throughout the was met with Hall of Fame Museum county. Once again Darlington County c h e e r i n g . buckled under torrential rains. None of was in the national limelight.

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NEWS AND PRESS DARLINGTON, S.C. 13 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29 2018 SOUTHERN 500 Longtime Darlington Raceway President honored with

LandmarkJim Hunter, Darlington Awardcy throughout a time of tremen- Raceway President from 1993- dous growth in NASCAR. He left 2001, was honored by his peers an indelible and everlasting on Wednesday, May 23, by being impact on the sport and for that named the Landmark Award for we will be forever grateful.” Outstanding Contributions to Hunter was a graduate of the NASCAR recipient. University of South Carolina, Hunter will be honored dur- where he played football for the ing the NASCAR Hall of Fame Gamecocks. He was part of the induction ceremonies in January NASCAR community for the bet- A photo of the Wood Brothers during Darlington’s Throwback Weekend in 2016 courtesy of Harrelson of 2019. ter part of six decades, having Photography. Hunter, a lifelong resident of covered the sport in newspapers, Darlington, also served as before joining the executive NASCAR Vice President of ranks of the sanctioning body. Communications for several He also authored several books years following his time at on NASCAR and Darlington The 1960s: A time of name Darlington. His wife, Ann, still Raceway in his career. resides in Darlington. The media center at “Jim Hunter was a legendary Darlington Raceway still carries recognition, manufacturer growth figure at Darlington and in his name as the Jim H. Hunter NASCAR and is very deserving of Media Center, which hosts the Landmark Award,” media from around the country andIn the 1960s, speed it was all about ineventual NASCAR NASCAR Hall of Famers He ranks second all-time in Darlington Raceway President every Labor Day weekend for the “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” such as David Pearson, Cale NASCAR history with those 105 Kerry Tharp said. “He oversaw track’s annual Bojangles’ as the automobile manufacturers Yarborough, Richard Petty, wins, trailing only Richard Petty’s great expansion projects at Southern 500 weekend. Hunter (namely Ford, , 200 victories. Pearson turned out Darlington Raceway and helped passed away in 2010 at the age of and ) were heavily invest- and . In fact, Scott is to be one of the best drivers in the continue to build the track’s lega- 71. ing in NASCAR as a way to show- still the only African-American to late '60s, and he proved it with case and sell their products. It was record a victory in NASCAR’s top three NASCAR championships. considered an arms race of which series when he won at ·Richard Petty won the manufacturer could build the Jacksonville Raceway Park in NASCAR championship twice in fastest car in the sport throughout 1963. the 1960s (1964 and '67). In 1967, the 60s. “The list of legendary drivers Petty showed his dominance by Additionally, major super- and owners that helped build the winning 27 races, including his speedways were being built foundation of our sport in the one and only Bojangles’ Southern throughout the country coincid- 1960s is incredible,” Darlington 500 at Darlington, and won the ing with the sport’s popularity and Raceway President Kerry Tharp championship by more than 5,000 growth of a fan base falling more said. “NASCAR Hall of Famers points. He won 10 races in a row in love with the automobile, espe- such as , Junior that year, a record that still stands. cially muscle cars. Tracks such as Johnson, and Bud ·The 1968 Southern 500 at , Moore, along with so many other Darlington was won by Cale Michigan International Speedway icons, are a big reason the sport is Yarborough, his first of five victo- and Bristol Motor Speedway were where it is today.” ries in the legendary race. He also built, bringing tens of thousands Notable historic drivers and won the of new fans into the fold. Speeds moments in the 1960s include: Daytona 500 reached nearly 200 mph for the ·Ned Jarrett won the 1965 that same year first time in the 60s. Bojangles’ Southern 500 by 14 for the Wood “There’s no question that the laps. It is a NASCAR record that Brothers. 1960s was a decade of growth not still stands today. He won the · Ta l l a d e g a Race to the finish line with ... only for NASCAR but for the car series championship in 1961 and hosted its first culture as well,” NASCAR Hall of 1965. NASCAR Cup Famer Leonard Wood said. “It ·Joe Weatherly won the 1962 Series event in really was a time of muscle cars, and '63 NASCAR championship Sept. of 1969. Industrial speed and the love of the automo- titles. Weatherly started in 230 R i c h a r d bile in that decade. It was a period races and won 25 of them. He was Brickhouse took of tremendous success for the a constant competitor throughout the checkered Paving Wood Brothers, especially with the 1960s, especially in the early flag after many Cale Yarborough and then David part of the decade. of the regular 712 Mineral Springs Road Pearson in the 70s. It was a great ·David Pearson won the NASCAR drivers Darlington era of our sport.” NASCAR championship in 1966, boycotted the The 1960s also was a decade '68 and '69. In his career, he start- event. 843-393-3922 where many legends of the sport ed in 574 races with 105 wins and became household names and placed in the top-five 301 times.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 14 NEWS AND PRESS DARLINGTON, S.C. SOUTHERN 500

TheAs NASCAR 1970s: entered the ’70s, NASCARNational Series was becoming overcomes a own Cale Yarborough, and thean early recession few could have predicted the must-see sport around the coun- Allison brothers Donnie and major culture shifts that would try. Bobby, that stole the ratings that soon change the sport forever. A “Through the visionary leader- day. number of key moves – and one ship of Bill France Sr., and Bill After battling throughout the major moment – highlighted the France Jr., NASCAR experienced day, and decade, all of which provided unprecedented growth during Yarborough took the white flag much needed stability and the 1970s,” said Kerry Tharp, with a half-lap lead on the rest of longevity to the sport for years to President of Darlington Raceway. the field. After heavy contact on come. “Their ability to bring in national the final lap, both drivers found Most notably, the addition of sponsors and television coverage themselves wrecked and settled Winston as the series sponsor in allowed the sport to explode onto at the bottom of the track. With 1971, Bill France Sr. stepping the American sports scene.” Bobby Allison pulling up soon down and turning the reins over As the push for more populari- after to check on his brother, the to his son, Bill Jr., in 1972, and ty was being made throughout three proceeded to fight on live the addition of live television cov- the ‘70s, the decade ended with national television, generating erage of the sport in 1970, were arguably the most important race some of the highest TV ratings in all critical factors in propelling in the history of NASCAR. the sport’s history. Nearly 16 mil- stock car racing into the modern After negotiating with CBS to lion viewers tuned into the tele- era and ultimately to new heights broadcast the entire 1979 cast, which ultimately drew a from which the sport had never Daytona 500 live flag-to-flag, 10.5 national rating. seen. NASCAR was the benefactor of a The race was considered one Photo courtesy of ISC Images & Archives/Getty Images. Winston, with their creative perfect storm for the second race of the most important in NASCAR marketing strategy (Winston of the season. history due to the fact that it got 500 that year, won his first Cup Gant, among others. Million in the ‘80s and ‘90s) and With a snowstorm blanketing millions of viewers excited about race at Bristol, and earned Rookie Janet Guthrie was also intro- influx of promotional dollars most of the East coast, giving the stock car racing and generated a of the Year honors that season duced to stock car fans in the ($100,000 points fund in 1972), race a captive television audi- buzz around the country that got despite missing four races with a 1970s when she competed from helped usher the sport to a bigger ence, the 1979 Daytona 500 was people talking about the sport. broken collarbone. 1976-1980 in the Cup Series. She fan base outside the Southeast a spectacular event. Although Maybe just as important, 1979 He was one of many legendary was the first woman to start a region. With the assistance of live Richard Petty snapped a 45-race was also the first full-time season drivers who began their careers Daytona 500 in 1977 and finished telecasts throughout the decade, winless streak that day, it was the for rookie Dale Earnhardt, who in the ‘70s, including Darrell 12th in the race after starting the NASCAR Winston Cup Grand fight between South Carolina’s finished eighth in the Daytona Waltrip, and Harry 39th.

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